The lowdown: United missed out on promotion via the Play Offs last season, and have struggled to recapture the form which made them real contenders.

They were in FA Cup action at the weekend, drawing with Sheffield Wednesday and facing a replay next week. In the league, they have lost the last two and sit 13th.

Team news: With Perry Ng suspended, Crewe are sweating on the fitness of Eddie Nolan (calf) who is their only obvious cover at right back.

New loan signing Paul Green is almost certain to make his debut in midfield, while Ryan Wintle could be among the subs as he continues his comback from a stress fracture of the leg.

Carlisle could hand striker Sam Cosgrove his full home league debut, with Reggie Lambe and Luke Joyce being assessed after injuries.

David Artell says: "It will be a tough game and it is always a difficult place to get a result but we won their last season, so that will be the plan again. We go into the game with three wins out of five over the festive period."

Keith Curle says: "Crewe have had a mixed bag of results through the first half of the season and, like us, they will be looking to get consistency so that they can climb up the table. They're a good side."

One to watch: Striker Hallam Hope is United’s main threat, and has nine goals to his name in all competitions so far.

The 23-year-old leading scorer was brought to the club on a permanent basis this summer, and the ex-Everton youth has pace and power to trouble defences.

Last meeting: United humiliated Crewe 5-0 on at Gresty Road in September. Michael Raynes scored an own goal, Danny Grainger got two, and Reggie Lambe and Hope were also on target.

Memory Lane: Crewe’s 3-1 win over Carlisle United was a rare highlight in their 1955-56 season which saw the finish rock bottom of Third Division North.

Goals were by Neil Franklin, Derek Leaver and Des Frost.

Tickets: On sale from Gresty Road in advance and on the day, prices range from: Adults (£22-£19), senior citizens (£16–£19), 18-22 years (£13-£16), U16s (£10), U11s (£7). Official coaches depart at 9:45am and are priced between £17-£18. Sandbach Travelling Alex coaches pick up in Nantwich, Crewe and Sandbach from 8.30am. Price is £16.